Asian Beach Games in Desperate Need of More Funding

Organizers Busy Knocking on Doors to Cover Massive Shortfall in US$38 Million Budget.

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(8/16/2008)

With little more than 2 months to go for the Asian Beach Games (ABG) get underway in October 2008 the organizers are reportedly scrambling hard to find funds to cover the reduced Rp. 350 billion (US$ 38 million) budget.

With a third of the budget expected to be covered by State funding, the remaining two thirds has been pledged by the Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC) drawing upon sponsorship sources said to be in short supply.

The Chairwoman of the National Sports Committee (KONI), Rita Subowo, said that the intense efforts are underway to secure donators, including calling on Indonesia's Vice President for assistance and seeking funds from a number of State-owned enterprises.

Explained Rita in a press conference held at the BABGOC headquarters on August 12, 2008: "A number of State-owned enterprises have lent assistance. Finally Pertamina (the State-owned oil company) have also given a signal that they will take a role. We continue to hope that in the remaining time left to us the financial requirements will be met."

Rita who shares responsibility for the successful execution of the ABG would not commit on exactly how much of the required budget was already in hand. She has, however, admitted separately that if sufficient funds are not secured a number of BABGOC programs will be affected.

Rita told the press that because the Bali event will be the first Asian Beach Games there is a natural problem in securing sponsors due to the lack of knowledge regarding the event. Rita remains optimistic, however, pointing to support from the Olympic Council of Asia and neighboring ASEAN countries.